Homebuyer demand hits new low

Homebuyer demand has fallen for the third consecutive month, with sales also subdued, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). In September, a net balance of 19% of property professionals reported declining new buyer inquiries, while 16% saw a drop in agreed transactions. Surveyors cited caution ahead of the November Budget, affordability pressures, and weak sentiment as key constraints. House price expectations remain negative in the short term, particularly in the South East and East Anglia, though modest gains are seen in Scotland and Northern Ireland. New seller instructions are also down, while rental demand is flat, but landlord listings fell sharply, with rents expected to rise by around 3% over the next year. 

The Daily Telegraph (09/10/2025)   The Times (09/10/2025)